The forecasts for December and January revolve around two lunation cycles in water signs (Scorpio and Cancer) — can you say “emotional”? Also, the lunar nodes change signs, with Mars and Saturn both exalted. We will need to be both tender and tough.
December 12
A 30-day cycle of greater strength in facing our fears and insecurities begins with the New Moon in Scorpio. This New Moon is joined Mercury and Venus, which reveals our need to stay intelligent, flexible, and creative. Yet, that lesson may be drowned out by the sheer volume and depth of our emotions. This may be especially true, and especially intense, considering Mars and Saturn are “hemming” the New Moon—with Saturn on one side of Scorpio (in Libra) and Mars on the other side (in Sagittarius).
The New Moon happens in the Nakshatra of Jyeshta ruled by Lord Indra – the king of the gods. There is a lot of emotional heroism possible here, but we must shed the ego first.
December 18
High levels of courage will be possible for several weeks as Mars is exalted in Capricorn on December 18 (until January 25). Mars is a planet of righteousness and duty; this energy allows us to be willing to sacrifice what feels good in order to do what is right. We all know what we should be doing, but how often do we actually follow through? Mars gives us the integrity to do what is right, not just talk about it or fight with others about it.
December 27
Questioning our beliefs and putting our feelings into words will be important with the Full Moon in Gemini. This Full Moon follows the New Moon in Scorpio already mentioned, and demonstrates the intelligence and discrimination that must balance our emotional fears and obsessions. Mars and Saturn are exalted now, which inspire an abundance of courage and determination. But we may get into battles with others or we may be put in situations where we need to engage in unpleasant, stressful activities.
The Full Moon happens in Nakshatra Ardra, which is ruled by Lord Shiva – the god of change and transformation. Can you handle the truth if you saw it?
January 11
A 30-day cycle of faith, hope and optimism begins on the New Moon in Sagittarius. Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, also called “Guru.” It is a sign of inspired purpose and hope. Now is the time to act on our highest beliefs and purposes, rather than just seeing them as abstract concepts. The ruler of Sagittarius, Jupiter, is retrograde and with Taurus – forcing practicality into our belief system. Mars and Saturn are still exalted which gives us the capacity to “walk the talk”.
This New Moon happens in the Nakshatra Uttara Ashada, which is related to the Vishwa Devas – the universal gods. When we honor universal truths such as righteousness (Dharma), time (Kala), committed action (Karma), and healthy desire (Kama) – Victory is assured.
January 13
The lunar nodes change signs when entering the Aries/Libra axis on January 13. This initiates an 18-month cycle when greater emphasis will be placed on personal relationships and upholding the social contracts we have with each other. The nodes are the locations of the eclipse points, the energetic intersections between body, mind, and spirit. Relationships of all sorts will be worked through the next year and a half. Balancing our personal needs and desires with those of others (without excessive compromise or aggression) will be important.
January 26
Greater emotional integrity and sensitivity will be important – for 30 days – beginning on the Full Moon in Cancer. Cancer is ruled by the Moon, the planet of intuition, the energy from which we often experience in our moods and our emotions. Learning to stabilize our heart within, amidst all of life’s ups and downs; this is the primary lesson of Cancer. This emotional lesson must be harmonized with the more practical aspects of life, shown by the Sun in Capricorn, otherwise there is dependency and clinging.
This Full Moon happens in Pushya Nakshatra, symbolized by a cow’s udder. In truth, we only know one feeling: love. If it’s not love, then it’s something hurtful. In Cancer, and especially in this Nakshatra, we become aware of our capacity to just give love regardless of what comes back to us.
Sam Geppi is an internationally-respected Vedic astrology teacher. For free Vedic astrology DVDs and courses for students at all levels, visit: samgeppi.com.
Sam Geppi (Sadasiva) is the author of Yoga and Vedic Astrology and The Ascendant—108 Planets of Vedic Astrology. He is the founder of the American Academy of Vedic Art and Science which offers three levels of certification programs in Vedic Astrology. Currently the Academy has more than 120 students enrolled. Visit Sam’s website at: vedicartandscience.com.